Key facts

UCAS codes

Using our list of possible combinations, choose which combination course you'd like to apply for. You'll find UCAS codes specific to that combination on the course page.

Entry requirements

We accept a wide range of qualifications for entry to our undergraduate programmes. Typical offers include A-level grades CCC in addition to GCSEs at Grade C/4 or above in English, Maths and Science.

View "typical offers" below for more information.

Combine your specialist subject with a secondary education degree, which leads to a secondary PGCE.

Gain the classroom experience employers are looking for through placements in schools each year.

Join our long-standing and highly respected Institute for Education, and benefit from strong partnerships with schools.

On successful completion of the undergraduate degree, you'll qualify for a guaranteed interview for our Secondary PGCE.

This secondary education degree is designed to enable you to gain real teaching experience before you embark on your PGCE. You'll study Education - in the broader contexts of professional practice, policy, teaching and learning - alongside the subject you're most passionate about.

In teaching, subject expertise and enthusiasm isn't enough to give you the edge. This award gives you the practical experience of working in schools with young people that employers are looking for.

The course offers a guaranteed interview for our Secondary PGCE, and is flexible; we'll support you in achieving your aspirations as a professional educator - however they develop during the programme. You'll benefit from our tutors' wealth of research and practice-informed expertise when you join this community of learning and practice.

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Possible combinations

“I believe that completing the Education degree prior to starting the PGCE has provided an invaluable ‘foundation’ to the PGCE course.”

Samantha-Jayne Moore, graduate

What you'll learn

Overview

You’ll explore education from many theoretical and ideological perspectives in your core modules. This in-depth knowledge of the education industry, combined with your specialist subject knowledge, gives you that all-important edge when you embark on your professional education career.

Course structure

Year oneThe first year introduces key concepts and skills that underpin the subject of Education Studies. In addition, the placement module provides you with a sound introduction to secondary schools via a school placement.

Year twoYou’ll consider more deeply the current issues in education, such as pedagogy, pupil voice, special needs, assessment and classroom organisation. You’ll undertake a second school placement, this time with a focus on developing your professionalism.

Year threeThis year, the Teaching and Professionalism module prepares you for the PGCE. For your dissertation, you'll explore an issue of your choice and use your creativity and the skills you've gained so far to develop a classroom resource to address it. You'll also have opportunities to engage with PGCE staff and students; this eases your transition to initial teacher training.

How will I be assessed?

Coursework includes essays, group presentations, research-based reports and portfolio-based work. We’ll provide you with prompt feedback and give you regular guidance on how to improve your skills, knowledge and understanding.

How will I be taught?

All modules are led by experienced and respected university staff. Many staff are active researchers and authors in the field of education studies; from the outset they’ll introduce you to their particular specialisms and research interests. You’ll also benefit from regular visiting speakers – these include headteachers, PGCE staff, practitioners, educational advisers, specialist researchers and international visitors.

Course modules

This course offers or includes the following modules. The modules you take will depend on your pathway or course combination (if applicable) as well as any optional or open modules chosen. Please check the programme document (below the main image on this page) for more information.

Year one (Level 4) modules

Education for Change

Changing Schooling

Introduction to Secondary Schools

Working with Young People in the Community

Controversial Issues in Special and Inclusive Education

Philosophical Enquiry and Education

A Case Study of Catalonia: Education, Space and Society

Educational History and Heritage

Year two (Level 5) modules

Issues in Education

Professional Practice in Secondary Schools

Understanding Classrooms

Literacy Learning in a Multi-media World

Supporting Learners with Additional Needs

Critical Approaches to Profound and Multiple Learning Difficulties in Education

Environment and Education

Sociology of Education

Youth in Society: Power, Politics and Participation

Values, Philosophy and Education: Dialogicality in Action

Evidence Based Education

Professional Placement Year

Year three (Level 6) modules

Education Secondary Independent Project: Part 1

Secondary Education Independent Project: Part 2

Teaching and Professionalism in Secondary School

Building Bridges: the Team Around the Child / Young Person

Learning in Mathematics

Creativity and Digital Technologies in Education

Education, Policy and the State

Mental Health, Wellbeing and Education

Young People, Identities and Subcultures

Professional Practice: Supporting the Dyslexic Learning in the Classroom

Learning in Science

Culture, Creativity and Society: Perspectives in Art Education

Identity, Philosophy and Education

Opportunities

Schools and placements

We have an excellent partnership with schools, where you can develop your understanding of Secondary level teaching.

You’ll attend a placement in each year of the programme of approximately eight to ten days. They usually occur on one day a week during a term, to allow you to continue with other university studies. We’ll arrange each placement for you. We try to ensure you are located within a reasonable distance from where you live; however, you should normally expect to travel using your own or public transport.

You must be in possession of a Bath Spa DBS disclosure. Details are sent once you have accepted your place with us.

Study abroad

You’ll have the opportunity to study in a wide range of locations around the world. Our students have completed Erasmus+ and Exchange programmes in a variety of countries.

Careers

Our students often enter the teaching profession in local schools and a range of other settings, and benefit from continued participation in the Institute for Education community of research and practice.

Flexibility is key; this course is designed to inform a range of education careers - from classroom teaching, to advisory roles that inform policy and practice both nationally and internationally.

Facilities and resources

Where the subject is taught

Your Secondary Education modules are based at Newton Park campus. You'll also undertake placements in schools in each year of your studies.

You'll benefit from access to a wide range of excellent facilities, including:

You'll have access to the PGCE team, particularly in your final year as you transition to intitial teacher training, and you'll also benefit from talks by guest speakers and incoming experts. Access to our research centre, TED-W, will give you the opportunity to stay up-to-date with the latest in teaching research and excellence.

Fees

UK and EU students full time

2019/20 Entry

Course fees

Year 1

£9,250

Year 2

Published Jan 2020

Year 3

Published Jan 2021

2020/21 Entry

Course fees

Year 1

Published Jan 2020

Year 2

Published Jan 2021

Year 3

Published Jan 2022

2021/22 Entry

Course fees

Year 1

Published Jan 2021

Year 2

Published Jan 2022

Year 3

Published Jan 2023

International students full time

2019/20 Entry

Course fees

Year 1

£13,300

Year 2

Published Jan 2020

Year 3

Published Jan 2021

2020/21 Entry

Course fees

Year 1

Published Jan 2020

Year 2

Published Jan 2021

Year 3

Published Jan 2022

2021/22 Entry

Course fees

Year 1

Published Jan 2021

Year 2

Published Jan 2022

Year 3

Published Jan 2023

Interested in applying?

What we look for in potential students

Your personal statement must indicate clearly at least ten days of recent experience of observing or working in a primary school. You need to write about this experience and reflect on what you've learned from it, and also discuss why you're applying for this secondary education degree.

Note: The entry requirements for subsequent interview to the PGCE programme may alter (for example, if the DFE changes entry requirements for PGCE courses). You’ll be advised of any changes during the degree.

Typical offers

We accept a wide range of qualifications for entry to our undergraduate programmes. The main ones are listed below:

A-level - Grades CCC preferred in addition to GCSEs at Grade C/4 or above in English, Maths and Science

International Baccalaureate - a minimum score of 26 points with evidence of an interest in Education accepted, in addition to GCSE Grade C/4 or equivalent in English, Maths and Science

Access to HE courses - typical offers for applicants with Access to HE will be the Access to HE Diploma or Access to HE Certificate (60 credits, 45 of which must be Level 3, including 30 at merit or higher) accepted in addition to GCSE Grade C/4 or equivalent in English, Maths and Science.

English Language Requirements for International and EU Applicants

IELTS 6.0 - for visa nationals, with a minimum score of IELTS 5.5 in each element.

How do I apply?

Find the Education Secondary combination you're interested in. Click the "apply now" button in the centre of the page.